Inclusion Infusions: #GETREAL

Posted on Friday, May 1st, 2020

Monday – May 4th – marks the start of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 69th annual Mental Health Week. This year, the focus is on building real connection by sharing how we really feel. It’s common in our society to ask people how they are. It’s common in Canada to say we’re fine, even when we don’t really mean it. Every time we just go through the motions, we miss a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way.

As we face the COVID-19 global pandemic, we need each other now more than ever. It’s time to #GetReal about how we feel and lean on others for support.

This Mental Health Week, let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have real conversations with our friends, neighbours and coworkers about how we’re all really doing. We’re in this together. In these days of social distancing (more accurately called physical distancing), we are learning that we don’t have to be close to feel close. We are together, even when we’re apart. Everyone needs emotional support at the best of times. This week let’s all make an effort to connect and get real by using our virtual mood buttons on teams and zoom. You can download the instructions and button JPEGs here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/wellness/2020/05/tell-us-how-you-really-feel/

I’m digging into the Harvard Business Review vault from 2015 for advice from an article on How to Build the Social Ties You Need at Work:

Do:

  • Start by making small changes in your behavior, like reaching out to just say hello
  • Make connections beyond your immediate team—it’s important to have relationships across the organization
  • Build time into your busy schedule to build relationships

Don’t:

  • Don’t feel you need to share personal details to make a connection; work-related conversation works too
  • Think just because you’re an introvert, that you don’t need friendships at work
  • Fake it—your efforts to connect must be authentic or people will see through you

Not sure where to start to make better connections? Algonquin College is bursting with ways to connect and learn remotely right now – take advantage – you can check out all the opportunities here: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myAC/EC_CommunityEvents


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